Victoria Spartz: Has Donald Trump switched sides on Ukraine?
Feb 26, 2025
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In a compelling discussion with Victoria Spartz, a Ukrainian-born US Congresswoman and Trump's loyalist, the conversation navigates the shifting dynamics of US foreign policy on Ukraine. She critiques Trump's labeling of President Zelensky while contemplating the strategic implications of such rhetoric. Spartz shares insights on Ukraine's governance challenges, the ongoing conflict with Russia, and the need for robust US responses. The dialogue also touches on concerns around centralized power, accountability in politics, and the importance of safeguarding democratic values.
Congresswoman Spartz expresses concern over Trump's portrayal of Zelensky as a dictator, undermining Ukraine's resistance to Russian aggression and internal governance.
She emphasizes the need for European countries to enhance their military commitments for NATO's viability, reflecting anxieties about U.S. foreign policy shifts.
Deep dives
A Ukrainian-American Perspective on U.S. Foreign Policy
A Ukrainian-American congresswoman expresses concern over the recent shift in U.S. policy towards Ukraine under President Trump. She emphasizes that while Trump has a strategy, his characterization of Ukrainian President Zelensky as a dictator is misleading, arguing that it undermines Ukraine's efforts in resisting Russian aggression. Despite her loyalty to Trump's agenda and his stance on reducing government size, she critiques the lack of preparation and support from the Ukrainian leadership leading up to the war. This perspective highlights the tension between supporting Ukraine's military resistance and critiquing its governance.
Corruption and Leadership in Ukraine
The congresswoman draws a distinction between her support for the Ukrainian people and her criticism of their government's effectiveness, calling attention to longstanding corruption issues within Ukraine. She states that Zelensky's centralization of power could be detrimental to the war effort, despite the clear atrocities committed by Putin. This sentiment reflects a belief that without addressing internal corruption and providing adequate military readiness, Ukraine's chances of success in the conflict are compromised. Her comments provoke discussion regarding the complexities of supporting a nation while holding its leaders accountable.
The Future of NATO and U.S.-European Relations
Concerns are raised about the future of NATO in light of Trump's transactional approach to international relations, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia. The congresswoman argues that for NATO to remain viable, European countries need to take more responsibility for their defense without relying solely on U.S. support. She suggests that Ukraine's NATO membership was never a realistic goal and emphasizes the importance of European countries stepping up their military commitments. This reflects broader anxieties within Europe about reliance on the U.S. and the potential implications of Trump's foreign policy shifts.
Stephen Sackur speaks to US Congresswoman Victoria Spartz. Born and raised in Ukraine and now a Donald Trump loyalist, what does she make of the US president’s strategy of pushing for peace in Ukraine by labelling Ukraine’s President Zelensky a dictator and appearing to hand Vladimir Putin a series of diplomatic gifts?
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